Retail giant to create 1,000 jobs

The new store will form part of the Shires redevelopment

Up to 1,000 jobs will be created when a major retailer opens its doors in Leicester city centre next year.

A new John Lewis store is being built as part of a £350m revamp of the Shires Shopping Centre - and bosses say it will start trading in 2008.

The 22,000 sq m (236,806 sq ft) store would need up to 1,000 staff - most recruited locally.

The new £50m John Lewis shop will be located between two existing department stores on the Shires site.

"We anticipate that the majority of our new jobs will be given to people from Leicester and the surrounding areas," said John Lewis' Andrew Clarke.

"With the more senior management positions, we will also look to people already working for John Lewis," he added.

The Highcross Quarter, which will include the John Lewis store, will have more than 100 shops and 144 apartments. It is due to open in October 2008.

Mr Clarke said the recruitment process would start after Christmas.